How to oppose 5G “small cell” towers – EMF Safety Network

The telecom industry has switched from primarily installing large, macro cell towers to deploying “small cell” towers (5G). The following information is focused on the “small cell”, but the “how to oppose” can apply to larger towers too.

The Federal Communications Commission and the federal government have been promoting and supporting rapid expansion of 5G. Some states have already passed laws forcing them onto communities. However people are pushing back and defeating installations. In Hillsborough California 16 cell towers were denied. In California SB649, which would have restricted cities ability to regulate 5G, was vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown.

The industry vision for 5G is to enable the Internet of Things, Smart Communities, driverless cars (and more), where roads and appliances (even baby diapers!) are embedded with wireless radiation transmitters that connect to cell phones, smart meters and the internet. The industry wants wireless everywhere with “small cell” towers every couple hundred feet apart! That means cell towers in our neighborhoods, near schools and parks, where we live, work and play.

5G would use a combination of microwaves and millimeter waves, which are scientifically shown to harm people and nature. For a quick overview of the problem see this video of a press conference with U.S. senator Blumenthal, who demands proof of safety from the FCC, and listen to comments by Blake Levitt. For more information on 5G see What is 5G?

Artwork by Shelley Masters

We strongly urge people to oppose 5G! The following information has been compiled to help you stop 5G to protect your neighborhood, community, people, pets, and environment.

Keep a watch on your [city or county] planning or permit department for applications for “small cell” towers.You’ll need to call the city or county to find out who handles the telecommunications applications. Note they will likely deny the “small cell” is 5G.

Educate and engage the community about EMF/wireless health risks. Here is a brochure about EMFs you can use to start a conversation. Mobilizing other people to get involved to take action is important. Even a few people can make a big difference. Legally a city cannot deny an application based on health effects, however it is important to educate decision makers on the science of harm, because this will motivate them to find another way to deny the application. People can also argue aesthetics, location, loss of property value and no significant coverage gap.

If you live in California: Read and present this legal letter from Best Best and Krieger, which outlines what a California community can do to legally deny “small cell” towers in the public rights of way. * April 24 2018 Letter to EMF Safety Network re small cells. If you don’t live in CA you can still present this letter and urge them to research and understand their legal rights. * 2019 BBK letter UPDATE: FCC WT Docket 17-79 went into effect on 1/13/2019. This info is not included in the above letter. The order adopts: new deadlines [shot clocks] for actions on small cell applications; limits on fees and rents that can be charged for small cells; new standards governing when a locality can say “no”; new standards for permissible aesthetic, under grounding, and spacing requirements. See: https://www.bbklaw.com/BBK/media/Library/pdf/IMLA-General-Presentation-Final.PDF

Speak at public comments at city meetings. Speak to those issues with the strongest science, boil it down to basic terms and concepts, and document the claims you make. For example: Peer-reviewed published science shows harmful effects of cell tower radiation include: fatigue, headaches, sleep problems, anxiety, ringing in the ears, heart problems, learning and memory disorders, increased cancer risk, and more. Children, the ill and the elderly are more vulnerable. This Letter to Sebastopol 5G includes studies and quotes you can use. See also: Biological Effects from Radiofrequency Radiation and www.emfscientist.org Peer reviewed published studies found radiation harms trees, birds, bees and insects. Studies of radiation impacts on wild birds documented nest abandonment, plumage deterioration and death. https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/us_doi_comments.pdf Peer reviewed published science shows millimeter waves adversely affect health. https://goo.gl/gbBKHL More studies here. See also: EU 5G Appeal. International Society of Doctors for Environment 5G AppealSanta Rosa on Link Lane, this one
is partly dismantled due to resident
protests and the city halting the installation.Santa Rosa on Sebastopol Road.

5. “Small cell” tower is a junkyard on a pole! In reality these often do not look like the representational drawings the industry presents. Click on the photos to the left for a closer look.

7. When there is an application pending: Send a letter by mail and email to the decision makers and go to the public meetings to speak out and oppose. Gather others to go to the meeting to also speak out. Please note: decision makers are often volunteers and they need to be educated about complex EMF science and laws. While some people feel aggressive tactics is the only way to get them to understand, practicing courtesy is also effective. You may want to ask the city to hire an independent RF specialist to prove there is a coverage gap. Here is an independent RF firm: http://www.emfservices.com/cell-towers.htm

8. Create a flyer to circulate to let people know what’s happening and where to complain. See this sample flyer to adapt and create your own.

9. Donate!Your donation will help support and expand this important work.